The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has officially released the list of candidates who have successfully progressed through the preliminary stages of the 2026 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) conferment exercise.
In a press release dated 23 June 2026, the Committee announced that the shortlisted applicants have completed key assessment stages required for consideration for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Candidates Successfully Scale Preliminary Stages
According to the LPPC, the applicants successfully passed through the following evaluation processes:
- Advocacy and Academic Qualification Stages
- Academic Qualification Review
- Academic Qualification Exercise
- Independent Appeals Hearing
- Law Office Inspection Exercise
The announcement comes ahead of the final interview stage, which will determine candidates eligible for conferment of the SAN rank.
Two Categories of Shortlisted Applicants
The shortlisted candidates have been grouped into two categories in accordance with LPPC guidelines:
A. Advocate Applicants
A total of 77 legal practitioners were shortlisted under the Advocate category. The list includes notable practitioners such as:
- Ibrahim Gamdehi Adamu, Esq.
- Jude Chukwuebuka Okafor, Esq.
- Sunday Samuel Obende, Esq.
- Alexander Ndukwe Muoka, Esq.
- Olayide Salami, Esq.
- Jonathan Akintola Makinde, Esq.
Among many others who have met the requirements for progression to the next stage.
B. Academic Applicants
The Academic category comprises 12 distinguished law professors, including:
- Prof. John Alewo Musa Agbonika
- Prof. Nnaemeka Adeyemi Jaiyeola
- Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri
- Prof. Nathaniel Ahaije Inuebedeion
- Prof. Ahmed Rabiu
- Prof. Ibrahim Abikan Abdulqadir
The inclusion of academics reflects the LPPC’s recognition of exceptional contributions to legal scholarship and legal education in Nigeria.
Public Comments Invited
In line with the LPPC’s established procedures, the Committee has invited members of the public to submit comments regarding the integrity, reputation, and professional competence of any of the shortlisted applicants.
Interested persons are required to provide:
- A sworn affidavit deposed before a Superior Court of Record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public.
- Twenty (20) copies of the affidavit.
- Submission to the Secretary of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee on or before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
The LPPC also provided an email channel for submissions.
Publication Not a Confirmation of Conferment
The Committee emphasized that publication of the shortlisted names should not be construed as a final approval or conferment of the SAN rank. The candidates remain subject to the final stages of assessment and approval by the LPPC.
Significance of the SAN Rank
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains the highest distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. Often regarded as the Nigerian equivalent of the Queen’s Counsel (QC) or King’s Counsel (KC) designation in the United Kingdom, the rank recognizes exceptional advocacy, legal scholarship, integrity, and contributions to the development of the legal profession.
The final conferment process is expected to culminate later in the year following the completion of interviews and consideration of public feedback.
